| mariesha416
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I am a new runner, I'm doing the couch to 5k (week 4 coming up!) and I've really enjoyed doing it so far. I enjoy the atmosphere of a gym and being on the treadmill, it pushes me more when there are other people around doing the same thing, plus living in the FL the weather can be unpredictable and once summer hits, its too hard to run outside... but eventually I'd like to move past the treadmill bc I'd like to do 5ks, 10ks and work my way on up to a marathon (Boston Marathon by the time I'm 30!!!!) so is there any advice on making the transistion? I've always had a hard time running and quit quickly so I was planning on sticking with the treadmill thru the couch to 5k program and then maybe switching over?
Any input from those seasoned runners out there? |
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Fri Apr 13, 2007 2:00 pm |
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| wileybosco
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| Gosh -I am just the opposite. Would much rather run outside in the summer heat than on a treadmill. I think if your goal is to do races outdoors then I would transition some of your running days outdoors. How often are you running on the treadmill? |
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Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:57 pm |
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| mariesha416
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| 4-5 days a week usually.... |
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Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:12 pm |
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| wileybosco
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| Then I would try for 1-2 days outside. When I did C25K I did it all outside so maybe someone who did it indoors and transitioned outside will jump in. |
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Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:18 pm |
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| Maryone
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| I would start slowly by switching 1 or 2 or my workouts outside for the first week and add more and more when the weeks go by till you get used to it. You could try to keep the inside workouts for when the weather's not on your side :wink: |
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Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:19 pm |
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| PapaBanucci
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Try doing 1 day outside next week.
Then assess.
Then week after that, either keep it at one day, or go all back in side, or do 2 days outside.
Then just kinda repeat.
I wonder if you're expecting it to be too far outside your comfort zone when it only really need to be successive, week at a time, tweaking. |
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Sat Apr 14, 2007 1:47 am |
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| maltby_gardner
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Well my treadmill, which is in my basement, is certainly very comfortable, and "comfort zone" is a valid point. If you're used to running in a gym, you're surrounded by like-minded people, most of whom are focused on what they are doing. It's climate controlled; you won't be too hot or too cold and you won't get rained on. You have complete control over your speed and terrain, and you have lots of nifty gadgets to help you pace yourself.
In contrast, when you run outdoors, you're likely to be by yourself. You imagine that everyone you pass is staring at you. If you're uncomfortable about your appearance or performance, you're sure they're laughing at you as soon as you pass. You have no control over the weather, and most days it's not only possible that the weather won't be perfect, it's likely that it will be either too hot or too cold, not to mention rainy (I live in the Pacific Northwest). The terrain is...what it is. Unless you have a handy track, it's likely to go up and down and, here's the scariest thing of all, if you're really an inexperienced runner, it's really hard to pace yourself properly.
The point of this is, for me, at least, it is going to be scary to transition to running outside. I'm going to have to feel really confident about what I'm doing on the treadmill before I'll be running outdoors. |
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Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:33 am |
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| luvs_torun
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maltby_gardner wrote: In contrast, when you run outdoors, You have no control over the weather, and most days it's not only possible that the weather won't be perfect, it's likely that it will be either too hot or too cold, not to mention rainy (I live in the Pacific Northwest). The terrain is...what it is. Unless you have a handy track, it's likely to go up and down
For myself.... these ^ are all the reasons I prefer running outside! :D
marie...if you plan on racing you will have to learn to train in any weather... you never know what the weather will bring come race day!
Many people feel more comfortable on the treadmill however a drawback is it forces you into a four-foot-wide running frame, which limits your body’s range of movement. When you run outside, your muscles and joints move around more due to uneven ground, corners, obstacles, wind resistance and your body’s natural efforts to balance itself (this all helps the body to burn more calories than it would on a treadmill also.) Moving within a treadmill’s restricted space can constrain your body – limiting the natural range in your running gait.
I know for myself, I can never seem to find my correct stride if I am on the treader.
I am not saying the treadmill is not a great piece of cardio equipment (I have one..) just that if you're planning on putting in training miles and running 5k's, 10k's, and marathons...... get yourself outside! :D
More than likely, once you become accustomed to running outside.... you'll much prefer it over the treadmill. |
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Sat Apr 14, 2007 1:12 pm |
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| maltby_gardner
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| I fear the heat. Heat plus exercise is an asthma trigger for me. |
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Sat Apr 14, 2007 3:57 pm |
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| luvs_torun
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maltby_gardner wrote: I fear the heat. Heat plus exercise is an asthma trigger for me.
MG... I totally understand that! :D
My comments were directed towards marie and her question about running outside vs treadmill running.
marie those are some fantastic goals! |
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Sat Apr 14, 2007 4:53 pm |
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| cortcase
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| Maltby, you just put into words exactly why I'm a little nervous about moving my jogging outside when it finally warms up here in Michigan! I'm very used to my treadmill...outside is the great unknown, with potential spectators and pacing issues! :) |
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Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:08 am |
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| maltby_gardner
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| Yeah, absolutely no offense intended to all you experienced runners. I mean, we truly value your encouragement, support and advice more than you can know. :D BUT I think you probably don't understand the fears and apprehension of a beginning runner, especially those who, like myself, are starting from a VERY low level of fitness. |
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Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:51 am |
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| luvs_torun
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maltby_gardner wrote: Yeah, absolutely no offense intended to all you experienced runners. I mean, we truly value your encouragement, support and advice more than you can know. :D BUT I think you probably don't understand the fears and apprehension of a beginning runner, especially those who, like myself, are starting from a VERY low level of fitness.
But we do!
Remember we were all in your shoes at one time (with the exact same fears and apprehensions)...... :D
You are doing it..... that is something to be proud of!
Maybe just start out running around the block a time or two or just down the street and back til you're comfortable.........
More often than not people who see you will have nothing but admiration for what you are doing. |
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Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:00 am |
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| Carrye
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luvs_torun wrote: More often than not people who see you will have nothing but admiration for what you are doing.
I usually say a prayer for those people who I see running outside. I know how difficult it is, and have some idea what their motivation is for doing it. |
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Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:05 am |
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| cortcase
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| But what if I run like Phoebe on "Friends"? :) Just kidding...I'm not that bad, but I don't think I look very attractive! ;) |
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Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:27 am |
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